West Ham have agreed a fee with United and are confident of closing the deal this morning. The move represents something of a coup for West Ham. Newcastle had an offer rejected by Manchester United earlier this month while Bolton had a bid accepted, only for the player to turn down the move.

While Roma were also seriously interested in the player, the opportunity to play first team football persuaded Morrison to move to Upton Park and the Championship rather than stay in the Premier League or move abroad.

Morrison’s contract at United expired in the summer and they have decided to sell him now rather than risk going to tribunal at the end of the season. United did offer Morrison a new deal which the player was still considering when West Ham’s bid was accepted.

Reports that the player was demanding £30,000 per week are wide of the mark and he is understood to have been offered less than half of that by West Ham.

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While Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken frequently, and admiringly, about the scope of Morrison’s talent, he has also suffered from disciplinary problems at United.

Morrison wanted first team football but United felt his talent was better being developed with a more gradual elevation and he has made just two first team appearances this season. A frustrated Morrison missed training on several occasions and, with his contract running out, United gave his representatives permission to seek out buyers.

Coaches at Carrington rave about Morrison’s technical ability and spatial awareness and, when he gets up to match fitness, Sam Allardyce will seek to integrate him into his promotion-chasing team rapidly.

It is understood that West Ham’s history of bringing through gifted young players played a role in Morrison’s decision. Morrison scored two goals in the FA Youth Cup final last season as Manchester United won the trophy and has played for England at U16, U17 and U18 level.